7-Eleven chairman and CEO resign after investigation

THE chairman of 7-Eleven Russ Withers and chief executive Warren Wilmot have resigned.

It follows an ABC/Fairfax investigation into under-payment of wages and exploitation of workers.

"7-Eleven Stores Pty Ltd advises that effective immediately chief executive officer Mr Warren Wilmot will stand down as CEO of the company and as a result chairman Mr Russell Withers has brought forward plans to transition the chairman role to independent non-executive director and deputy chair Michael Smith," a statement released by the company said.

The statement said "Mr Smith will assume the role of chairman while Mr Bob Baily has been appointed interim CEO".

"Mr Smith will lead an executive search process to identify a permanent candidate for the CEO role," the statement said.